Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time
Locations
Course overview
Build advanced skills to support people experiencing mental health challenges through evidence-based psychological practice. The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for professional practice as a registered psychologist through advanced clinical training, research and placement experience. Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the course provides the qualifications required to apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). This course also provides a pathway into the clinical registrar program to gain an area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA.
You will develop capabilities in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and psychological intervention of mental health conditions, grounded in ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice. Clinical placements provide opportunities to apply your skills with clients under supervision.
Through key partnerships across public and primary mental health settings, including Barwon Health, you will build professional experience and clinical confidence that support future endorsement pathways.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H750
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 060023G Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course structure
To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical) you must pass 16 credit points.
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Consistent with a developmental approach, there is a prescribed sequence for coursework and placement units such that successful completion of earlier units is required to enrol in later units. Specific information regarding pre-requisites are described in the individual Unit Guides.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Mandatory student checks
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree.
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a full-time course and as such, it requires a full-time commitment from students. Nevertheless, it is recognised that many students will need to work to support themselves for the duration of their study. Students are advised that working over and above 8 hours per week is likely to impact their progress through the course.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program is based at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood Campus but includes a presence at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront and Waurn Ponds Campuses in line with our commitment to regional training and workforce development.
Attendance requirements
Students can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week; including a combination of self-paced study, lectures, seminars, placements and online interactions. The face-to-face coursework component is predominantly held at the Melbourne Burwood Campus in a purpose-built clinical teaching facility. Some teaching will be held in Geelong including full-day clinical teaching workshops while other aspects of the teaching and learning occurs in the online environment. As part of their placement program, trainees will engage in placements in key partnerships across Geelong/Barwon and metropolitan Melbourne as well as rural and regional placement opportunities.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete 3 compulsory clinical placements of 2-3 days per week for approximately 20-25 weeks. These placements include at least one placement in the Barwon region.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
At Deakin, we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that supports all students to succeed. We work closely with students to identify and reduce barriers, and where possible, provide tailored support to help students engage with learning and assessment activities, ensuring every student has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
If you are disabled, neurodivergent, Deaf, and/or you live with the effects of a mental health condition, chronic health condition, or other condition that impacts your studies or participation in university life, we encourage you to reach out to our Disability Resource Centre for a collaborative and confidential discussion.
Work experience
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will benefit from Deakin’s key placement partnerships including Barwon Health and other organisations to ensure they gain experience of across child, adolescent and adult populations. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive, therefore only full and completed applications will be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a full and completed application as soon as possible.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a four year tertiary program* with a psychology major from an APAC accredited program with a minimum of a Honours 2A average or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies: and
- eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APS to determine if the applicants qualifications are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at the Australian Psychological Society.
*The fourth year may be an honours program or a graduate diploma. If you are applying with an international qualification this must be assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.
Indigenous Entry Stream (recognised as an Indigenous Australian)
- Completion of a four-year tertiary program (Honours or graduate diploma) of study from an APAC accredited program completed in the last 10 years, with a minimum of Honours 2B average in the fourth year of study or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies.
- Eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
For more information on the Indigenous Entry Stream including eligibility and how to apply, visit the Indigenous Entry Stream page.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Applicants are required to refer to the Application checklist in the apply now section.
Additional information will include the provision of two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred and can include 4th supervisors and course directors from your university, but where a second academic referee cannot be sought by an applicant, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in the position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.
All applicants are required to complete a Casper test as part of their application. The Casper test has an associated fee payable by the applicant. As part of the selection process, applicants may also be invited to attend an interview.
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes approximately 65 – 85 minutes to complete. Casper is designed to assess an applicant's personal and professional attributes and complements the other tools we use to review the applications we receive for this course. We require Casper to help us assess applicant suitability against the inherent requirements of this course. You can learn more about the Casper test and how it is used in our admissions process here: Casper-Psychology.
Please refer to the applicant checklist in the Apply now section.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$47,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply direct to Deakin
Applications must be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see checklist (PDF, 182.1 KB). Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Career outcomes
Upon successfully completing the course, you will become eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist. Once you’re registered, you will have the qualifications and experience needed to practise as a psychologist.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA (Clinical Psychology). An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Professional recognition
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
It is a postgraduate program of study for the purpose of obtaining full registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA),and to provide preparation for entry into a registrar program leading to an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the PsyBA.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced psychological knowledge of aetiology, progression and recovery from psychopathology, and relevant taxonomies to culturally safe assessment and identification of psychological disorders, current functioning, and risk to self and others. Display advanced knowledge of psychological theories and scientific methods, including through appropriate application of culturally responsive and evidence-based clinical psychology assessment and treatment across the lifespan. |
| Communicate safely and effectively with clients, carers, and colleagues, including discussing risks and benefits of assessment and intervention, in a variety of settings in which clinical psychologists work, including health and medical settings. |
| Ethically use a range of digital technologies including research databases, eHealth, and artificial intelligence applications to support evidence-based clinical psychology practice, research, innovation and evaluation. |
| Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings with assessment data to inform formulation, diagnoses and treatment approaches for clients and apply these appropriately for the context. |
| Demonstrate and apply an understanding of outcome-based and evidence-based treatment and assessment approaches relevant to the practice of clinical psychology, including through collaborative goal setting and client feedback, and ongoing evaluation of symptom change and other therapeutic outcomes. |
| Proactively engage in reflection and supervision to identify strengths and areas for development, and the impact of culture, values, beliefs, biases and self-care practices on one’s own practice; develop and implement related goals to practise competently in line with clinical psychology practice standards, codes of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks. |
| Operate effectively within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, skills and contributions, and practising within the boundaries of professional and cultural competence across a range of settings in which clinical psychologists operate. |
| Practise clinical psychology ethically and legally, in culturally informed trauma-aware, and neuro-affirming ways. Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands peoples’ psychology frameworks and demonstrate a commitment to decolonising clinical psychology practice. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
